Gripper Positioning via Multi-Sensor Section Length Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing section handling apparatuses in industrial plants face high costs due to the use of photoelectric barriers for accurate section length measurement, and less expensive alternatives with photoelectric sensors suffer from inaccuracy, leading to increased working times and throughput losses.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with detection means using optically measuring systems, such as photoelectric sensors, LEDs, or lasers, to determine section length with high accuracy, coupled with control means to precisely position gripper mechanisms, allowing for accurate grasping and handling of sections of varying lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If photoelectric barriers are used for section length measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple photoelectric sensors to detect different positions on the section, creating a measurement system that replicates the functionality of a single expensive photoelectric barrier through multiple simpler sensor readings. The control unit processes these copied measurements to determine accurate section length without requiring a single high-precision barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement function is segmented into multiple detection points along the section length. Instead of using one photoelectric barrier to measure the entire length, the system divides the measurement into segments detected by multiple sensors positioned at different locations, with the control unit integrating these segmented measurements.
2Device complexity
If multiple photoelectric sensors are used for section length measurement, then device cost is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit processes feedback from multiple photoelectric sensors to calculate section length. The system uses the detection signals from sensors at different positions, applies logical operations to determine the presence and length of sections, and adjusts measurements based on feedback from all sensor readings to achieve accurate results despite using multiple simpler sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of sensor positioning and detection logic to compensate for the lower precision of individual sensors. By strategically positioning multiple sensors and using specific detection sequences, the system transforms the limitation of multiple simple sensors into an accurate measurement capability through parameter optimization.
3Device complexity
If gripper means are positioned approximately relative to sections, then device complexity is reduced, but working time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary positioning calculations based on detection signals from photoelectric sensors before the gripper means engage the section. The system pre-determines the correct gripper position and movement distance based on detected section parameters, allowing the gripper to move directly to the correct position without unnecessary adjustments during the gripping process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides accurate and cost-effective section length measurement, reducing errors and increasing plant throughput by ensuring precise positioning of gripper mechanisms, thus enhancing the efficiency of section handling processes.
Implementation Method 1
detection means (120) adapted to generate a first detection signal s1 indicative of the presence of the section P and a second detection signal s0 indicative of the absence of the section P
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for handling sections to be worked has means for supporting a section workpiece, a slide guide, gripper means movably mounted to the slide guide and adapted to grasp the section and detection means fixed to the gripper means. The detection means are adapted to generate a first detection signal indicative of the presence of the section and a second detection signal indicative of the absence of the section. The apparatus further comprises drive means for moving the gripper means along the slide guide and control means for providing a deactivation control signal to the first drive means to stop the motion of the gripper means upon reception of the second signal indicative of the absence of the section.